To my most favorite daughter, Rhonda Burnham, and most favorite son, Bill Burnham, and my beloved husband, Winston Burnham. Three of the most important loved ones on a long, long list of loved ones. You've helped life to be so good by being wonderful children and husband. I've had a wonderful life; of course sorrow and tears along with such joy. Your dad loved each dearly. He had a different childhood than mine.
Cotton was king in 1921. On that day, September 3rd, near Bowie, Texas, a very small baby weighing less than 3 lbs. was born. The doctor in charge said, "There's no need to fill out any papers – this baby won't make it." What did this guy know about this female child born in the beginning of the roaring 20s? Paternal grandmother kept this tiny infant alive, wrapped in a blanket in a shoebox in the warm oven of the wood burning stove. Fed her diluted tea and coffee with cow's milk. Her loving mother pinned her doll dress (only garments that fitted) to a pillow so she could handle the tiny baby. She began to grow.
Beginning of the roaring twenties, 1920. Grew up on many cotton farms. Being second oldest, helped father with farming chores. A wonderful childhood – hard work, lots of horseback riding. Always looking for frogs, snake eggs, bird nests and reading. During the 20s, much happened; baby sister, Virginia, was born; the toaster was invented; so was sliced bread, 5 cents a loaf; bobbed hair, short dresses, women began cigarette smoking; lots of lipstick, red to be exact; the Charleston and Black Bottom.
In 1927, my mother and I saw a silent movie, the only one I ever saw. Women were granted the right to vote. Then the crash of '29 hit Wall Street. Hero - Charles Lindbergh; heroine – Amelia Earhart.
By now, 1930, I was nearly 10 years of age. I walked 1 ½ miles each way to school in winter time. One pair of shoes a year; summertime - didn't need 'em. Being second in pecking order, oldest sister at home and father's helper with farm work, lots of food, eggs, chickens, pigs, milk and butter. Helped the others. So fortunate. Lots of labor, also a very good childhood of horses and farm animals; learned to ride horseback at four years of age. Sister Virginia and I helped raise brothers, Ross and Warren, 8 and 12 years younger. The depression was still going in 1930s. Family moved to northern Arkansas. Life was different, very different, for three years. Attended three years of school in Arkansas. Then back to Texas. Graduated from high school in Godley, Texas in 1940. I was ranked third.
Jobs and money were about equal – neither of either. Worked in Little River County Health Department in Ashton, Arkansas. Family lived nearby. Mr. Roosevelt's National Youth Administration - $20 month. Many to help feed Americans who were starving such as Public Works Administration, Civilian Conservation Corp. President Roosevelt's king status, Congress to limit president's term to two terms instead of four years. We loved him.
WWII, December 7, 1941, very sad day indeed. Almost four years of war – sadness, hardships, sacrifice, rations, get the job done. Women, everyone - win, win. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition. Hitler, Mussolini, Hirohito, "We'll defeat all of them." Pray, pray. Moved to Tulsa and became a Rosie the Riveter after finishing a course in "how to". Made wings for the Navy Grumman Hellcat fighter plane and Spartan aircraft. My friends went to a tank factory in Memphis, Tennessee. Top wages for new workers at 65 cents/hour, 3:00-11:00 shift for a year.
Joining the Coast Guard SPARS, Army, Navy, or Marines were usually uppermost in thinking. The war in Europe still raging. If you were my sister and you joined the men's military, I'd disown you. My daughter would never join anything with all those men. Oh no, not Tina, Miss Walker. Please raise your right hand with these other recruits and repeat after me, "I solemnly swear…" You're each now a member of the US Coast Guard Women's Reserve SPARs. Left for boot camp on January 14, 1944. The USS Biltmore, West Palm Beach, Florida. Good luck. A different world. Then several months at Saint Agnes Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Then to pharmacist mate school, Columbia University, New York City, September 1944. WWII really raging. Mr. Roosevelt elected for fourth term. I graduated December 30th 1944. Gave a pint of blood - all SPARs did – "something big is going on," officer said. Didn't know what. "Loose lips sink ships." The Battle of the Bulge. We learned much later thousands and thousands died. Moved to Norfolk, Virginia Naval Base; largest in the world. Seasick crossing Chesapeake Bay at South Hampton Blvd. Huge marine hospital stationed there for over a year. New Year's Eve, Times Square 1944.
May 20th 1946, me and my great friend Marion Cheadle, also pharmacist first class Semper Paratus (Always Ready). I returned to Norfolk, most all the SPARs had left the coastguard for civilian life. Almost all of the 16 million men and women in war time uniform were now out of the service, or never came home – 400,000. Visited friends in New York City and Pennsylvania, then on to Chicago, St Louis, Texarkana and all points south. Home at last – so happy. This time different, so wonderful. My family and I had a great time - rationing of just about everything was lifted. Could travel – different world now. I made plans to enter nursing school – had been my dream since six years of age. Helped my dear parents – seems like just about everyone – adults – were so tired, almost four years of struggling and worrying.
Winston and Murry entered a new life in 1954. A new and fascinating type of business of animal calling. Very popular and instantly successful worldwide. Rhonda, Bill and myself operated the ranch - took care of the cats, dogs and rattlers; one bit Rhonda and our favorite dog. Thanks to the good Lord we survived with lots of pains now and then. I became first headstart school nurse of Marble Falls ISD, 1966 – 1980. Loved my job, great kids. My dear Rhonda and Bill, my wonderful daughter and son. I spent the rest of my life in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Survived by daughter, Rhonda Burnham Lange and husband, Tim, of Harper/Round Mountain; son Bill Burnham and wife, Linda, of Houston/Round Mountain; grandchildren Sean King and Shanon of Dubai UAE, Erika Burnham of Austin; Lynette Burnham Rogers and husband, Jared, of Olympia, WA; and great grandchildren Adam Casey, Sabrina Casey, Quigliey King, Ezzra King, and soon to be Baby Rogers, her sister Virginia Kelly of Kingsland; and brother, Ross Walker of Marble Falls.
Preceded in death by Earnest H. and Mattie Elizabeth Walker, her parents; Winston L Burnham, her beloved, world-famous husband; her cherished grandson, Frank V. King; her sister, Catherine Walker; and brother, Warren Walker.
(Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home)
=========
Ernestine “Tina” Elizabeth Walker Burnham was called home on Jan. 13, 2016 at Windcrest Nursing Home, where she had resided for the last 2½ years. Born Sept. 3, 1921, she was raised in the cotton belt of North East Texas by Ernest and Mattie Walker.
During the early days of WWII, she worked as a riveter at Spartan Aircraft in Tulsa, Oklahoma, assembling the Navy Grumman Hellcat Wings. She then joined the SPARs, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and worked as a Pharmacy Mate First Class at the Marine Hospital on the Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia.
In 1949, she graduated from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse.
Tina married Winston Burnham, also a veteran, on Nov. 10, 1949 and lived in the beautiful Hill Country for the rest
of her life. In 1966, she became the first Head Start School Nurse of Marble Falls ISD, a position she held until her retirement in 1980.
Tina Burnham is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Lange and husband, Tim, of Harper, Texas; son, Bill and wife, Linda, of Houston, Texas; grandson, Sean King and wife, Shannon, of Dubai, UAE; granddaughters, Erika Burnham of Austin, Texas and Lynette Rogers and husband, Jared, of Olympia, Washington; great-grandchildren, Adam Casey, Sabrina Casey, Quigliey King, Ezzra King and soon-to-be baby Rogers; sister, Virginia Kelly and husband, Bob, of Kingsland, Texas; brother, Ross Walker of Marble Falls, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her parents, Ernest and Mattie Walker; beloved husband, Winston; cherished grandson, Frank V. King; sister,
Catherine and brother, Warren preceded her in death.
A graveside service was held on January 15, 2016 at the Round Mountain Cemetery
=========
BURNHAM, Ernestine W., Age 94, of Fredericksburg, passed away Jan. 13, 2016.
Service Jan. 15, 3 p.m. at Round Mountain Cemetery. Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, Marble Falls, TX.
Published in Austin American-Statesman from Jan. 15 to Jan. 16, 2016
Cotton was king in 1921. On that day, September 3rd, near Bowie, Texas, a very small baby weighing less than 3 lbs. was born. The doctor in charge said, "There's no need to fill out any papers – this baby won't make it." What did this guy know about this female child born in the beginning of the roaring 20s? Paternal grandmother kept this tiny infant alive, wrapped in a blanket in a shoebox in the warm oven of the wood burning stove. Fed her diluted tea and coffee with cow's milk. Her loving mother pinned her doll dress (only garments that fitted) to a pillow so she could handle the tiny baby. She began to grow.
Beginning of the roaring twenties, 1920. Grew up on many cotton farms. Being second oldest, helped father with farming chores. A wonderful childhood – hard work, lots of horseback riding. Always looking for frogs, snake eggs, bird nests and reading. During the 20s, much happened; baby sister, Virginia, was born; the toaster was invented; so was sliced bread, 5 cents a loaf; bobbed hair, short dresses, women began cigarette smoking; lots of lipstick, red to be exact; the Charleston and Black Bottom.
In 1927, my mother and I saw a silent movie, the only one I ever saw. Women were granted the right to vote. Then the crash of '29 hit Wall Street. Hero - Charles Lindbergh; heroine – Amelia Earhart.
By now, 1930, I was nearly 10 years of age. I walked 1 ½ miles each way to school in winter time. One pair of shoes a year; summertime - didn't need 'em. Being second in pecking order, oldest sister at home and father's helper with farm work, lots of food, eggs, chickens, pigs, milk and butter. Helped the others. So fortunate. Lots of labor, also a very good childhood of horses and farm animals; learned to ride horseback at four years of age. Sister Virginia and I helped raise brothers, Ross and Warren, 8 and 12 years younger. The depression was still going in 1930s. Family moved to northern Arkansas. Life was different, very different, for three years. Attended three years of school in Arkansas. Then back to Texas. Graduated from high school in Godley, Texas in 1940. I was ranked third.
Jobs and money were about equal – neither of either. Worked in Little River County Health Department in Ashton, Arkansas. Family lived nearby. Mr. Roosevelt's National Youth Administration - $20 month. Many to help feed Americans who were starving such as Public Works Administration, Civilian Conservation Corp. President Roosevelt's king status, Congress to limit president's term to two terms instead of four years. We loved him.
WWII, December 7, 1941, very sad day indeed. Almost four years of war – sadness, hardships, sacrifice, rations, get the job done. Women, everyone - win, win. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition. Hitler, Mussolini, Hirohito, "We'll defeat all of them." Pray, pray. Moved to Tulsa and became a Rosie the Riveter after finishing a course in "how to". Made wings for the Navy Grumman Hellcat fighter plane and Spartan aircraft. My friends went to a tank factory in Memphis, Tennessee. Top wages for new workers at 65 cents/hour, 3:00-11:00 shift for a year.
Joining the Coast Guard SPARS, Army, Navy, or Marines were usually uppermost in thinking. The war in Europe still raging. If you were my sister and you joined the men's military, I'd disown you. My daughter would never join anything with all those men. Oh no, not Tina, Miss Walker. Please raise your right hand with these other recruits and repeat after me, "I solemnly swear…" You're each now a member of the US Coast Guard Women's Reserve SPARs. Left for boot camp on January 14, 1944. The USS Biltmore, West Palm Beach, Florida. Good luck. A different world. Then several months at Saint Agnes Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Then to pharmacist mate school, Columbia University, New York City, September 1944. WWII really raging. Mr. Roosevelt elected for fourth term. I graduated December 30th 1944. Gave a pint of blood - all SPARs did – "something big is going on," officer said. Didn't know what. "Loose lips sink ships." The Battle of the Bulge. We learned much later thousands and thousands died. Moved to Norfolk, Virginia Naval Base; largest in the world. Seasick crossing Chesapeake Bay at South Hampton Blvd. Huge marine hospital stationed there for over a year. New Year's Eve, Times Square 1944.
May 20th 1946, me and my great friend Marion Cheadle, also pharmacist first class Semper Paratus (Always Ready). I returned to Norfolk, most all the SPARs had left the coastguard for civilian life. Almost all of the 16 million men and women in war time uniform were now out of the service, or never came home – 400,000. Visited friends in New York City and Pennsylvania, then on to Chicago, St Louis, Texarkana and all points south. Home at last – so happy. This time different, so wonderful. My family and I had a great time - rationing of just about everything was lifted. Could travel – different world now. I made plans to enter nursing school – had been my dream since six years of age. Helped my dear parents – seems like just about everyone – adults – were so tired, almost four years of struggling and worrying.
Winston and Murry entered a new life in 1954. A new and fascinating type of business of animal calling. Very popular and instantly successful worldwide. Rhonda, Bill and myself operated the ranch - took care of the cats, dogs and rattlers; one bit Rhonda and our favorite dog. Thanks to the good Lord we survived with lots of pains now and then. I became first headstart school nurse of Marble Falls ISD, 1966 – 1980. Loved my job, great kids. My dear Rhonda and Bill, my wonderful daughter and son. I spent the rest of my life in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Survived by daughter, Rhonda Burnham Lange and husband, Tim, of Harper/Round Mountain; son Bill Burnham and wife, Linda, of Houston/Round Mountain; grandchildren Sean King and Shanon of Dubai UAE, Erika Burnham of Austin; Lynette Burnham Rogers and husband, Jared, of Olympia, WA; and great grandchildren Adam Casey, Sabrina Casey, Quigliey King, Ezzra King, and soon to be Baby Rogers, her sister Virginia Kelly of Kingsland; and brother, Ross Walker of Marble Falls.
Preceded in death by Earnest H. and Mattie Elizabeth Walker, her parents; Winston L Burnham, her beloved, world-famous husband; her cherished grandson, Frank V. King; her sister, Catherine Walker; and brother, Warren Walker.
(Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home)
=========
Ernestine “Tina” Elizabeth Walker Burnham was called home on Jan. 13, 2016 at Windcrest Nursing Home, where she had resided for the last 2½ years. Born Sept. 3, 1921, she was raised in the cotton belt of North East Texas by Ernest and Mattie Walker.
During the early days of WWII, she worked as a riveter at Spartan Aircraft in Tulsa, Oklahoma, assembling the Navy Grumman Hellcat Wings. She then joined the SPARs, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and worked as a Pharmacy Mate First Class at the Marine Hospital on the Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia.
In 1949, she graduated from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse.
Tina married Winston Burnham, also a veteran, on Nov. 10, 1949 and lived in the beautiful Hill Country for the rest
of her life. In 1966, she became the first Head Start School Nurse of Marble Falls ISD, a position she held until her retirement in 1980.
Tina Burnham is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Lange and husband, Tim, of Harper, Texas; son, Bill and wife, Linda, of Houston, Texas; grandson, Sean King and wife, Shannon, of Dubai, UAE; granddaughters, Erika Burnham of Austin, Texas and Lynette Rogers and husband, Jared, of Olympia, Washington; great-grandchildren, Adam Casey, Sabrina Casey, Quigliey King, Ezzra King and soon-to-be baby Rogers; sister, Virginia Kelly and husband, Bob, of Kingsland, Texas; brother, Ross Walker of Marble Falls, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her parents, Ernest and Mattie Walker; beloved husband, Winston; cherished grandson, Frank V. King; sister,
Catherine and brother, Warren preceded her in death.
A graveside service was held on January 15, 2016 at the Round Mountain Cemetery
=========
BURNHAM, Ernestine W., Age 94, of Fredericksburg, passed away Jan. 13, 2016.
Service Jan. 15, 3 p.m. at Round Mountain Cemetery. Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, Marble Falls, TX.
Published in Austin American-Statesman from Jan. 15 to Jan. 16, 2016
To my most favorite daughter, Rhonda Burnham, and most favorite son, Bill Burnham, and my beloved husband, Winston Burnham. Three of the most important loved ones on a long, long list of loved ones. You've helped life to be so good by being wonderful children and husband. I've had a wonderful life; of course sorrow and tears along with such joy. Your dad loved each dearly. He had a different childhood than mine.
Cotton was king in 1921. On that day, September 3rd, near Bowie, Texas, a very small baby weighing less than 3 lbs. was born. The doctor in charge said, "There's no need to fill out any papers – this baby won't make it." What did this guy know about this female child born in the beginning of the roaring 20s? Paternal grandmother kept this tiny infant alive, wrapped in a blanket in a shoebox in the warm oven of the wood burning stove. Fed her diluted tea and coffee with cow's milk. Her loving mother pinned her doll dress (only garments that fitted) to a pillow so she could handle the tiny baby. She began to grow.
Beginning of the roaring twenties, 1920. Grew up on many cotton farms. Being second oldest, helped father with farming chores. A wonderful childhood – hard work, lots of horseback riding. Always looking for frogs, snake eggs, bird nests and reading. During the 20s, much happened; baby sister, Virginia, was born; the toaster was invented; so was sliced bread, 5 cents a loaf; bobbed hair, short dresses, women began cigarette smoking; lots of lipstick, red to be exact; the Charleston and Black Bottom.
In 1927, my mother and I saw a silent movie, the only one I ever saw. Women were granted the right to vote. Then the crash of '29 hit Wall Street. Hero - Charles Lindbergh; heroine – Amelia Earhart.
By now, 1930, I was nearly 10 years of age. I walked 1 ½ miles each way to school in winter time. One pair of shoes a year; summertime - didn't need 'em. Being second in pecking order, oldest sister at home and father's helper with farm work, lots of food, eggs, chickens, pigs, milk and butter. Helped the others. So fortunate. Lots of labor, also a very good childhood of horses and farm animals; learned to ride horseback at four years of age. Sister Virginia and I helped raise brothers, Ross and Warren, 8 and 12 years younger. The depression was still going in 1930s. Family moved to northern Arkansas. Life was different, very different, for three years. Attended three years of school in Arkansas. Then back to Texas. Graduated from high school in Godley, Texas in 1940. I was ranked third.
Jobs and money were about equal – neither of either. Worked in Little River County Health Department in Ashton, Arkansas. Family lived nearby. Mr. Roosevelt's National Youth Administration - $20 month. Many to help feed Americans who were starving such as Public Works Administration, Civilian Conservation Corp. President Roosevelt's king status, Congress to limit president's term to two terms instead of four years. We loved him.
WWII, December 7, 1941, very sad day indeed. Almost four years of war – sadness, hardships, sacrifice, rations, get the job done. Women, everyone - win, win. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition. Hitler, Mussolini, Hirohito, "We'll defeat all of them." Pray, pray. Moved to Tulsa and became a Rosie the Riveter after finishing a course in "how to". Made wings for the Navy Grumman Hellcat fighter plane and Spartan aircraft. My friends went to a tank factory in Memphis, Tennessee. Top wages for new workers at 65 cents/hour, 3:00-11:00 shift for a year.
Joining the Coast Guard SPARS, Army, Navy, or Marines were usually uppermost in thinking. The war in Europe still raging. If you were my sister and you joined the men's military, I'd disown you. My daughter would never join anything with all those men. Oh no, not Tina, Miss Walker. Please raise your right hand with these other recruits and repeat after me, "I solemnly swear…" You're each now a member of the US Coast Guard Women's Reserve SPARs. Left for boot camp on January 14, 1944. The USS Biltmore, West Palm Beach, Florida. Good luck. A different world. Then several months at Saint Agnes Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Then to pharmacist mate school, Columbia University, New York City, September 1944. WWII really raging. Mr. Roosevelt elected for fourth term. I graduated December 30th 1944. Gave a pint of blood - all SPARs did – "something big is going on," officer said. Didn't know what. "Loose lips sink ships." The Battle of the Bulge. We learned much later thousands and thousands died. Moved to Norfolk, Virginia Naval Base; largest in the world. Seasick crossing Chesapeake Bay at South Hampton Blvd. Huge marine hospital stationed there for over a year. New Year's Eve, Times Square 1944.
May 20th 1946, me and my great friend Marion Cheadle, also pharmacist first class Semper Paratus (Always Ready). I returned to Norfolk, most all the SPARs had left the coastguard for civilian life. Almost all of the 16 million men and women in war time uniform were now out of the service, or never came home – 400,000. Visited friends in New York City and Pennsylvania, then on to Chicago, St Louis, Texarkana and all points south. Home at last – so happy. This time different, so wonderful. My family and I had a great time - rationing of just about everything was lifted. Could travel – different world now. I made plans to enter nursing school – had been my dream since six years of age. Helped my dear parents – seems like just about everyone – adults – were so tired, almost four years of struggling and worrying.
Winston and Murry entered a new life in 1954. A new and fascinating type of business of animal calling. Very popular and instantly successful worldwide. Rhonda, Bill and myself operated the ranch - took care of the cats, dogs and rattlers; one bit Rhonda and our favorite dog. Thanks to the good Lord we survived with lots of pains now and then. I became first headstart school nurse of Marble Falls ISD, 1966 – 1980. Loved my job, great kids. My dear Rhonda and Bill, my wonderful daughter and son. I spent the rest of my life in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Survived by daughter, Rhonda Burnham Lange and husband, Tim, of Harper/Round Mountain; son Bill Burnham and wife, Linda, of Houston/Round Mountain; grandchildren Sean King and Shanon of Dubai UAE, Erika Burnham of Austin; Lynette Burnham Rogers and husband, Jared, of Olympia, WA; and great grandchildren Adam Casey, Sabrina Casey, Quigliey King, Ezzra King, and soon to be Baby Rogers, her sister Virginia Kelly of Kingsland; and brother, Ross Walker of Marble Falls.
Preceded in death by Earnest H. and Mattie Elizabeth Walker, her parents; Winston L Burnham, her beloved, world-famous husband; her cherished grandson, Frank V. King; her sister, Catherine Walker; and brother, Warren Walker.
(Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home)
=========
Ernestine “Tina” Elizabeth Walker Burnham was called home on Jan. 13, 2016 at Windcrest Nursing Home, where she had resided for the last 2½ years. Born Sept. 3, 1921, she was raised in the cotton belt of North East Texas by Ernest and Mattie Walker.
During the early days of WWII, she worked as a riveter at Spartan Aircraft in Tulsa, Oklahoma, assembling the Navy Grumman Hellcat Wings. She then joined the SPARs, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and worked as a Pharmacy Mate First Class at the Marine Hospital on the Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia.
In 1949, she graduated from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse.
Tina married Winston Burnham, also a veteran, on Nov. 10, 1949 and lived in the beautiful Hill Country for the rest
of her life. In 1966, she became the first Head Start School Nurse of Marble Falls ISD, a position she held until her retirement in 1980.
Tina Burnham is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Lange and husband, Tim, of Harper, Texas; son, Bill and wife, Linda, of Houston, Texas; grandson, Sean King and wife, Shannon, of Dubai, UAE; granddaughters, Erika Burnham of Austin, Texas and Lynette Rogers and husband, Jared, of Olympia, Washington; great-grandchildren, Adam Casey, Sabrina Casey, Quigliey King, Ezzra King and soon-to-be baby Rogers; sister, Virginia Kelly and husband, Bob, of Kingsland, Texas; brother, Ross Walker of Marble Falls, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her parents, Ernest and Mattie Walker; beloved husband, Winston; cherished grandson, Frank V. King; sister,
Catherine and brother, Warren preceded her in death.
A graveside service was held on January 15, 2016 at the Round Mountain Cemetery
=========
BURNHAM, Ernestine W., Age 94, of Fredericksburg, passed away Jan. 13, 2016.
Service Jan. 15, 3 p.m. at Round Mountain Cemetery. Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, Marble Falls, TX.
Published in Austin American-Statesman from Jan. 15 to Jan. 16, 2016
Cotton was king in 1921. On that day, September 3rd, near Bowie, Texas, a very small baby weighing less than 3 lbs. was born. The doctor in charge said, "There's no need to fill out any papers – this baby won't make it." What did this guy know about this female child born in the beginning of the roaring 20s? Paternal grandmother kept this tiny infant alive, wrapped in a blanket in a shoebox in the warm oven of the wood burning stove. Fed her diluted tea and coffee with cow's milk. Her loving mother pinned her doll dress (only garments that fitted) to a pillow so she could handle the tiny baby. She began to grow.
Beginning of the roaring twenties, 1920. Grew up on many cotton farms. Being second oldest, helped father with farming chores. A wonderful childhood – hard work, lots of horseback riding. Always looking for frogs, snake eggs, bird nests and reading. During the 20s, much happened; baby sister, Virginia, was born; the toaster was invented; so was sliced bread, 5 cents a loaf; bobbed hair, short dresses, women began cigarette smoking; lots of lipstick, red to be exact; the Charleston and Black Bottom.
In 1927, my mother and I saw a silent movie, the only one I ever saw. Women were granted the right to vote. Then the crash of '29 hit Wall Street. Hero - Charles Lindbergh; heroine – Amelia Earhart.
By now, 1930, I was nearly 10 years of age. I walked 1 ½ miles each way to school in winter time. One pair of shoes a year; summertime - didn't need 'em. Being second in pecking order, oldest sister at home and father's helper with farm work, lots of food, eggs, chickens, pigs, milk and butter. Helped the others. So fortunate. Lots of labor, also a very good childhood of horses and farm animals; learned to ride horseback at four years of age. Sister Virginia and I helped raise brothers, Ross and Warren, 8 and 12 years younger. The depression was still going in 1930s. Family moved to northern Arkansas. Life was different, very different, for three years. Attended three years of school in Arkansas. Then back to Texas. Graduated from high school in Godley, Texas in 1940. I was ranked third.
Jobs and money were about equal – neither of either. Worked in Little River County Health Department in Ashton, Arkansas. Family lived nearby. Mr. Roosevelt's National Youth Administration - $20 month. Many to help feed Americans who were starving such as Public Works Administration, Civilian Conservation Corp. President Roosevelt's king status, Congress to limit president's term to two terms instead of four years. We loved him.
WWII, December 7, 1941, very sad day indeed. Almost four years of war – sadness, hardships, sacrifice, rations, get the job done. Women, everyone - win, win. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition. Hitler, Mussolini, Hirohito, "We'll defeat all of them." Pray, pray. Moved to Tulsa and became a Rosie the Riveter after finishing a course in "how to". Made wings for the Navy Grumman Hellcat fighter plane and Spartan aircraft. My friends went to a tank factory in Memphis, Tennessee. Top wages for new workers at 65 cents/hour, 3:00-11:00 shift for a year.
Joining the Coast Guard SPARS, Army, Navy, or Marines were usually uppermost in thinking. The war in Europe still raging. If you were my sister and you joined the men's military, I'd disown you. My daughter would never join anything with all those men. Oh no, not Tina, Miss Walker. Please raise your right hand with these other recruits and repeat after me, "I solemnly swear…" You're each now a member of the US Coast Guard Women's Reserve SPARs. Left for boot camp on January 14, 1944. The USS Biltmore, West Palm Beach, Florida. Good luck. A different world. Then several months at Saint Agnes Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Then to pharmacist mate school, Columbia University, New York City, September 1944. WWII really raging. Mr. Roosevelt elected for fourth term. I graduated December 30th 1944. Gave a pint of blood - all SPARs did – "something big is going on," officer said. Didn't know what. "Loose lips sink ships." The Battle of the Bulge. We learned much later thousands and thousands died. Moved to Norfolk, Virginia Naval Base; largest in the world. Seasick crossing Chesapeake Bay at South Hampton Blvd. Huge marine hospital stationed there for over a year. New Year's Eve, Times Square 1944.
May 20th 1946, me and my great friend Marion Cheadle, also pharmacist first class Semper Paratus (Always Ready). I returned to Norfolk, most all the SPARs had left the coastguard for civilian life. Almost all of the 16 million men and women in war time uniform were now out of the service, or never came home – 400,000. Visited friends in New York City and Pennsylvania, then on to Chicago, St Louis, Texarkana and all points south. Home at last – so happy. This time different, so wonderful. My family and I had a great time - rationing of just about everything was lifted. Could travel – different world now. I made plans to enter nursing school – had been my dream since six years of age. Helped my dear parents – seems like just about everyone – adults – were so tired, almost four years of struggling and worrying.
Winston and Murry entered a new life in 1954. A new and fascinating type of business of animal calling. Very popular and instantly successful worldwide. Rhonda, Bill and myself operated the ranch - took care of the cats, dogs and rattlers; one bit Rhonda and our favorite dog. Thanks to the good Lord we survived with lots of pains now and then. I became first headstart school nurse of Marble Falls ISD, 1966 – 1980. Loved my job, great kids. My dear Rhonda and Bill, my wonderful daughter and son. I spent the rest of my life in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Survived by daughter, Rhonda Burnham Lange and husband, Tim, of Harper/Round Mountain; son Bill Burnham and wife, Linda, of Houston/Round Mountain; grandchildren Sean King and Shanon of Dubai UAE, Erika Burnham of Austin; Lynette Burnham Rogers and husband, Jared, of Olympia, WA; and great grandchildren Adam Casey, Sabrina Casey, Quigliey King, Ezzra King, and soon to be Baby Rogers, her sister Virginia Kelly of Kingsland; and brother, Ross Walker of Marble Falls.
Preceded in death by Earnest H. and Mattie Elizabeth Walker, her parents; Winston L Burnham, her beloved, world-famous husband; her cherished grandson, Frank V. King; her sister, Catherine Walker; and brother, Warren Walker.
(Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home)
=========
Ernestine “Tina” Elizabeth Walker Burnham was called home on Jan. 13, 2016 at Windcrest Nursing Home, where she had resided for the last 2½ years. Born Sept. 3, 1921, she was raised in the cotton belt of North East Texas by Ernest and Mattie Walker.
During the early days of WWII, she worked as a riveter at Spartan Aircraft in Tulsa, Oklahoma, assembling the Navy Grumman Hellcat Wings. She then joined the SPARs, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and worked as a Pharmacy Mate First Class at the Marine Hospital on the Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia.
In 1949, she graduated from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse.
Tina married Winston Burnham, also a veteran, on Nov. 10, 1949 and lived in the beautiful Hill Country for the rest
of her life. In 1966, she became the first Head Start School Nurse of Marble Falls ISD, a position she held until her retirement in 1980.
Tina Burnham is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Lange and husband, Tim, of Harper, Texas; son, Bill and wife, Linda, of Houston, Texas; grandson, Sean King and wife, Shannon, of Dubai, UAE; granddaughters, Erika Burnham of Austin, Texas and Lynette Rogers and husband, Jared, of Olympia, Washington; great-grandchildren, Adam Casey, Sabrina Casey, Quigliey King, Ezzra King and soon-to-be baby Rogers; sister, Virginia Kelly and husband, Bob, of Kingsland, Texas; brother, Ross Walker of Marble Falls, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her parents, Ernest and Mattie Walker; beloved husband, Winston; cherished grandson, Frank V. King; sister,
Catherine and brother, Warren preceded her in death.
A graveside service was held on January 15, 2016 at the Round Mountain Cemetery
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BURNHAM, Ernestine W., Age 94, of Fredericksburg, passed away Jan. 13, 2016.
Service Jan. 15, 3 p.m. at Round Mountain Cemetery. Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, Marble Falls, TX.
Published in Austin American-Statesman from Jan. 15 to Jan. 16, 2016
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